Entendemos que não é recomendável a repetição de teste hidrostático na tubulação em

questão, pois, se trata de junta soldada de encaixe, que, possui resistência superior em relação
a solda de topo, sendo que, a resistência do tubo no sentido radial é reforçada a resistência da
espessura da conexão da válvula que por sua vez, possui classe de pressão de 2500 #

Além disso, a NR-13 e as normas internacionais retiraram do seu escopo a repetição de testes
hidrostáticos, não é mais recomendada, uma vez que, não traz benefícios e pode resultar em
defeitos subcríticos, tais como, propagação de micro trincas.

Por outro lado, toda junta soldada deve possuir resistência suficiente para resistir ao teste
hidrostático, bem como, essas juntas de ângulo podem estar sujeitas a solicitação por
cisalhamento e não permitem a execução de ensaio por ultrassom.

Diante do exposto, solicitamos um parecer por parte da Mitsubishi.

Butt Weld Vs Socket Weld: How

Are They Different?
January 14, 2022 by Ethan Bale
Welding techniques in piping industry have expanded significantly
over the last few decades to provide better outcomes for welding
tasks. As a result of it, there are plenty of welding processes and
techniques present today, ultimately making it difficult to choose
the right one for a specific welding job.

Welders need to thoroughly understand how the different welding

techniques and weld types work and their benefits.

In this article, we shall talk about two different weld types: the

butt weld vs socket weld. They both have characteristics that are
essential to improve your weld joint. However, their applications
vary, depending on the tasks they are used for. This article has
been written keeping in mind the ASME B16 standard, which
deals with pipes and fittings.

So, which one should you consider? The choice ultimately

depends on your needs and requirements.

Let’s take a look at these two weld types and some of the
differences between them!

Contents  hide 
Butt Weld
Socket Weld
Differences Between Butt Weld and Socket Weld
1. Size
2. Welding Seam And Groove
3. Strength
4. Inspection And Testing
5. Features
6. Applications
7. Inspection Cost
8. Design
9. Price
Pros of Butt Weld
Cons of Butt Weld
Pros of Socket Weld
Cons of Socket Weld
Butt Weld Vs Socket Weld – Which One to Choose?

Butt Weld
Manufactured with ASME B16.9, butt welds are used to join two
separate metal pieces such as pipes by heating or applying
pressure, or both. In this type of welding, you can form a joint by
aligning the pieces of metal you want to join and then welding
along the place where they are joined.

You can weld butt joints with the help of resistance welding, arc

welding, and as part of a brazing process. You can also create a
butt weld via high-energy beam welding.
This type of weld produces a high strength joint, and is preferred
when the joint is desired to be of full penetration kind, by the
construction code.

Socket Weld
Manufactured with ASME B16.11, a socket weld is used for
welding and fitting pipes of different sizes. It is done by inserting a
smaller pipe into the open area of a larger fitting pipe. Socket
welds are easy to create since they do not require beveled ends
like butt welding. You can perform a socket weld by simply
cleaning the weld area, and inserting the fitting inside another
pipe or ‘tee’ of larger OD.
Socket welding can be used to create lines that carry toxic,
flammable, or expensive material, with no leakage allowed. They
can also carry steam at 300 to 600 PSI. You can find socket weld
pipe fittings in three high-pressure rating classes: 3000, 6000, and
9000.

Differences Between Butt Weld and

Socket Weld
While these two weld types are popular in the industry, people
often get confused about picking the right one. We’ve shortlisted
some differences between the two to simplify this:

1. Size
When it comes to size, socket welds might be a better choice due
to their capacity to connect pipes of different sizes. However,
there may be some limitations where you can only use small-
sized pipes on account of their design. Otherwise, socket welds
can weld pipes with a diameter range of DN50 to DN100.
On the other hand, butt welds are generally used for pipes with
large diameters. You can weld larger pipes with it, provided they
are similar in size. Larger diameter pipes also permit back
grinding and welding from the back side of the joint. This
produces high strength joints.

2. Welding Seam And Groove

In the case of butt welding, you need to have a 30 to 37.5°
beveled end to fill the welding bead. A compound beveled end will
be needed for very thick walls, as well.

You don’t need a bevel when it comes to socket weld and can
weld the part directly. The seams of a socket weld are fillet welds,
as shown in the figure above.

3. Strength
Socket welds are considered a relatively reliable choice for
welding pipes that can transport everything, be it toxic materials or
liquids that are not permitted to leak. They also have the capacity
to weld pipes used for transmitting steam under 600 PSI and are
available in high-pressure rating classes – 3000, 6000, 9000.

However, if you’re looking for pure strength, then the butt weld
has a clear edge. They have excellent durability and temperature
resistance, and they can deal with corrosion better than socket
welds. In addition, butt welded joints are almost twice as strong
compared to socket welded joints in some cases.

4. Inspection And Testing

Socket welds have two non-destructive testing methods:
Penetrant testing (PT) and magnetic particle testing (MT).
Magnetic particle testing is used in carbon steel cases, and
penetrant testing is used in stainless steel cases.

In comparison, butt welds can be 100% tested by X-ray to ensure

there is no leakage. This may seem simpler, but in reality, butt
weld testing requirements are more complex than the testing
requirements of socket weld.

5. Features
Socket weld has an edge over butt weld when it comes to
assembly. It is easy to install. However, you need to have a gap
approximately 1/16″ in diameter at the bottom of the pipe to fit
into. This gap offers space for thermal expansion but can prompt
an overpressure problem that causes the fillet weld of the fitting to
crack.

Besides this, a socket weld cannot use be used for pipes carrying
corrosive fluids. This weld corrodes easily and can pose a hazard.

On the other hand, when it comes to quality, temperature

resistance, and erosion, butt weld is the right choice. However, it
is hard to assemble and often requires an expert welder to
achieve complete root fusion, while also avoiding excess
penetration.

6. Applications
Socket weld lacks the quality of butt weld. And it is fundamentally
used for smaller pipes with measurements of NPS 2 or smaller.

However, butt weld is better in quality for oversized and heavy

pipes. It is appropriate for joints whose quality is required to be at
par or better than the base metal itself. 

7. Inspection Cost
Butt welds are inspected using volumetric and surface inspection
methods, which makes their inspection cost higher than socket
welds.

8. Design
Socket welds are designed as fillet welds which are simpler in
nature. However, a butt weld’s design takes longer to complete
and requires more skill. The butt weld also offers more strength
and leak proof joint.

9. Price
Butt welds are typically more expensive to design, test, install,
and maintain. Conversely, the socket welds are easy in terms of
assembly, installation, and maintenance, making it the cheaper of
the two options.

Pros of Butt Weld

 Volumetric NDE examination is possible
 High strength
 Leakage risk is almost non-existent
 Appropriate for higher thicknesses